Fluid treatment and disposal system and methods of use

ABSTRACT

A fluid treatment and disposal system includes a sink, having a basin, a sink drain inlet, and a sink drain trap. An open cavity is disposed behind a rearward wall of the sink basin, between a top portion of the sink and the sink drain trap. A curved transition surface receives fluid entering the sink. Embodiments of the drain are shaped to promote the evacuation of fluid from the basin while limiting turbulence. An exhaust port fluidly coupled with the open cavity evacuates the open cavity and surrounding environment. Embodiments optionally associate one or more of the following with the open cavity: Ultra-Violet (UV) Germicidal Lights, and Ozone water, copper-silver ionization, and/or sanitizing agent injection systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/330,649, titled “Fluid Treatment and DisposalSystem and Methods of Use”, filed May 2, 2016, which is incorporatedherein as if set out in full.

BACKGROUND

Various types of sinks, lavatories, wash areas, and fluid disposal areasare used in hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities,pharmacies, and laboratories, where bacteria and viruses are plentiful.The sink and wash areas provide staff and other individuals with alocation to wash their hands and various types of equipment. Such areasalso provide a location where various liquids, which may be contaminatedwith bacteria or viruses, are disposed. However, as the hands andequipment are washed in the sink, bacteria and viruses are transferredfrom the hands and equipment into the water, which flows into the sink.The contaminated water splashes into the sink basin, swirls around thebasin, and flows into a drain. This turbulent fluid activity canaerosolize bacteria, viruses, and other biological contaminants from thewater.

Inside the drain, the contaminated liquids sit within a drain trap. Asit sits in the trap, the viruses and bacteria are allowed to multiplywithin the plumbing, regardless of how well the sink basin is cleaned.Gasses that occasionally bubble through the sink drain trap carry thebacteria and viruses up from the plumbing and into the basin orotherwise become airborne. Moreover, fluids that drain from the sink,into the trap, agitate the contaminated fluid and further aerosolize thebiological contaminants.

The airborne biological contaminants pose health risks to those in asignificant area surrounding the sink. Oftentimes, individualssurrounding the sink in hospitals are immunocompromised, making themmore likely to become ill as a result of the airborne contaminants.Similarly, pharmaceutical products in pharmaceutical manufacturingfacilities and pharmacies can be easily contaminated by the airbornebiological contaminants, requiring the disposal of the pharmaceuticalproducts. Such product losses cause significant financial loss annually.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary, and the foregoing Background, is not intendedto identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subjectmatter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present disclosure provides embodiments of a fluid treatment anddisposal system. Various embodiments of the technology are provided as asink, having a basin with a bottom portion, a forward wall portion,rearward wall portion, and opposite sidewall portions. A drain ispositioned at a lower end of the basin, such as within the rearward wallportion. In some embodiments, the drain includes a drain plate having aplurality of openings that penetrate the plate member in an orientationthat allows an even distribution of fluid to flow through the drain.Various embodiments of the sink include a faucet that controls a flow offluid from one or more fluid sources. Embodiments of the basin shape theforward wall portion to extend from an upper vertical portion toward alower transition portion, adjacent the drain, to receive a fluid streamfrom the faucet in a gradual fashion that reduces or eliminatesturbulent splashing and gently directs the fluid toward the drain.

In various embodiments, an open cavity is disposed behind the rearwardwall portion of the basin and extends between a top portion of the sinkand a drain trap. An exhaust port is placed in fluid communication withthe open cavity and a central exhaust system or a dedicated exhaustsystem. The exhaust port places the open cavity under a negativepressure and evacuates the gaseous headspace of the open cavity awayfrom the sink. In some embodiments, the gaseous exhaust may be directedto a system for treating one or more types of contaminated or volatilegases. The open cavity is, in some embodiments, maintained at a negativepressure in relation to the area in which the sink is located in orderto draw air from outside the sink. This helps to capture, entrain, andevacuate as many aerosolized biological contaminants, bacteria, orviruses as possible from the sink area.

In some embodiments, one or more germicidal ultra-violet lights aredisposed within the open cavity. The UV light exposure kills bacteria,parasites, fungi, viruses, molds and other biological contaminants thatmay be growing in the fluids within the open cavity and the drain trap.In particular embodiments, elongated germicidal ultra-violet lights arepositioned within an upper area of the open cavity, adjacent a topportion of the sink, so that their light is directed throughout theentire open cavity and into the drain trap while staying substantiallyout of contact with any liquid flowing through the open cavity.

Embodiments of the present technology use one or more sanitizing agentinjectors and/or spray bars at various locations throughout the opencavity and/or into the exhaust port to help clean the surfaces of theopen cavity and the exhaust port. The sanitizing agent injectors andspray bars may inject one or more of: ozone water (or other ozonesolution); copper-silver ionization solution (such as domestic coldwater treated with a copper/silver ionization generation unit); orsimilar sanitizing agent. The ozone water, copper-silver ionizationsolution, and/or sanitizing agent may be injected into the open cavitycontinuously or intermittently, whether the sink is in use or not.

In various embodiments of the present technology, control systemsprovide monitoring and control to ensure that the features of the sinkare functioning according to their intended design. In one embodiment,sensors within the open cavity and/or the exhaust port monitor pressureand/or airflow. The control system receives and monitors data from thesensors and can initiate, terminate, and vary the exhaust through theexhaust port according to the data received from the sensors. In anotherembodiment, sensors are positioned within the open cavity and/or thedrain trap that monitor UV light and/or an amount of ozone water (orother ozone solution), copper-silver ionization solution, or similarsanitizing agent. The control system may direct the injections to occuron a timed interval, at any time that the faucet is turned on or off, oraccording to data from the sensors that are not in line with desired orpredetermined operational parameters. The data received from the sensorsmay be recorded by the control system and reported to a user inreal-time or stored for delivery or retrieval at a later time. Thecontrol system may be provided to receive remote or locally providedinputs from a user that initiates, terminates, and varies the operationof exhaust port, germicidal ultra-violet lights, and the sanitizingagent injectors. The control system may also receive remote or locallyprovided inputs from a user that varies the operational parameters orprograms of the systems associated with the sink. The control systemsmay be provided to provide a notification either locally (audible orvisual) or electronically via e-mail, phone, or text message to initiateservice and notify individuals to not use the sink when the controlsystems determines that any of the exhaust port, germicidal ultra-violetlights, and the sanitizing agent injectors are not functioning properly.

These and other aspects of the present system and method will beapparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and Figuresherein. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of the inventionshall be determined by the claims as issued and not by whether givensubject matter addresses any or all issues noted in the Background orincludes any features or aspects recited in this Summary.

DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention,including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to thefollowing figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1A depicts a top, plan view of one embodiment of a sink accordingto the present technology.

FIG. 1B depicts a side elevation view of the sink of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A depicts a top, plan view of another embodiment of a sinkaccording to the present technology.

FIG. 2B depicts a side elevation view of the sink of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A depicts a top, plan view of yet another embodiment of a sinkaccording to the present technology.

FIG. 3B depicts a side elevation view of the sink of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C depicts a rear elevation view of the sink of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D depicts a rear, perspective view of the sink of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 depicts a cutaway, side elevation view of a floor drain accordingto the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to theaccompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way ofillustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments aredisclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as being limited to theembodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

With reference to FIGS. 1A-4, embodiments of the present technologyreduce the transmission of biological contaminants, intended to bewashed down a drain, into a surrounding environment. While the term“sink” is used herein, those of skill in the art will appreciate thatthe term, as it relates to the present technology, includes lavatories,wash areas, and other fluid disposal areas. Aspects of the presenttechnology provide for the containment and destruction of infectiousagents such as viruses, bacteria, protest, fungi, slime molds, algae,prions, organic infectious disease agents, or other infectious organicmatter.

With reference to FIGS. 1A-3D, embodiments of the present technology areprovided in the form of a sink 10, having a basin 12 with a bottomportion 14, a forward wall portion 16, rearward wall portion 18, andopposite sidewall portions 20 and 22. It is contemplated that, incertain embodiments, the sink 10 may be formed from one or morecontinuous walls without corners or edge portions that clearly define abottom, a forward wall, rearward wall, and sidewalls. In someembodiments, the sink 10 includes a combination of clearly defined andcontinuous walls. A drain 24 may be positioned in one or more positionswithin the basin 12. In one embodiment, the drain 24 is placed at leastpartially into the rearward wall portion 18 of the basin 12. The drain24 may extend completely or substantially across a width of the basin12. In other embodiments, the drain 12 includes a width and height thatmaximizes fluid flow through the drain 24 without promoting turbulence.In particular embodiments, the drain 24 is shaped to promote theevacuation of water from the basin 12 without interrupting the flow ofwater or causing turbulence downstream from the drain 24. In someembodiments, the drain 24 includes a drain plate 26, having a pluralityof spaced-apart, horizontally disposed bar members 28. In an exemplary,non-limiting embodiment, the drain includes ⅛ inch diameter bar members28, spaced from one another by ⅛ inch spaces. In some embodiments, thebar members 28 may be flat while, in other embodiments, the bar membersmay be curvilinear or have a partially curvilinear shape. In thesemanners, the drain 24 is shaped to reduce fluid turbulence by allowingan even distribution of fluid to flow through the drain 24. In otherembodiments, the drain plate 26 is provided in the form of a generallyplanar plate member having a plurality of openings that penetrate theplate member in an orientation that allows an even distribution of fluidto flow through the drain 24.

Various embodiments of the sink 10 include a faucet 30. The term“faucet,” as it is used herein, will simply mean a device by which aflow of fluid (including liquid or gas) from a fluid source can becontrolled. The fluid source may be a municipal water supply, a tank orother container of treated water, or a container of a particular fluidor gas chosen for specific uses of the sink 10. It is contemplated thatthe faucet 30 may be coupled to the sink 30 at various locations. Insome embodiments, the faucet 30 extends from the sink adjacent therearward wall portion 18; while, in other embodiments, the faucet 30extends from one of the opposite sidewall portions 20 or 22. It is alsocontemplated that, in some embodiments, two or more faucets 30 may beassociated with the sink 10 and coupled with one or more fluid sources.The faucets 30 may be configured according to the intended use of thesink 10, including a typical rigid neck that may be fixed in positionwith respect to the basin 12 or pivotable to move an outlet with respectto the basin 12. In other embodiments, the faucet 30 may include aflexible hose coupled with a nozzle output.

Embodiments of the basin 12 include a forward wall portion 16 that isshaped to extend from an upper portion 32 toward a lower transitionportion 34, adjacent the drain 24. In an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment, the upper portion 32 has a depth of approximately 5.5 inchesand transitions from a vertical, or nearly vertical wall, through a 4″concave radius curve, into a lower sloped portion. In such exemplaryembodiments, the lower transition portion 34 is defined by a firstvertical portion that transitions at a 1 inch convex radius from thelower sloped portion of the upper portion 32. In some embodiments, thevertical portion is sloped at a two degree angle from vertical, toward afront portion of the sink 10. The vertical portion of the lowertransition portion 34 transitions through a 4″ concave radius curve,into a lower sloped portion that passes beneath the drain 24. The lowersloped portion terminates at a 3 inch convex radius transition towardthe drain trap 38. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower transition hasa depth of approximately 3.5 inches, as measured at the drain 24. Thisprovides the exemplary sink with a total basin depth of approximatelynine inches. In various embodiments, the lower transition portion 34 ispositioned beneath an output of the faucet 30. In this manner, portionsof the first vertical portion and the curve of the transition into thelower sloped portion receives the fluid stream from the faucet 30 in agradual fashion that reduces or eliminates turbulent splashing andgently directs the fluid toward the drain 24. In particular embodiments,the shape of the lower transition portion 34 is mated with a faucet 30having a particular geometry and mounting location with respect to thelower transition portion 34 in order to facilitate the elimination orreduction of fluid turbulence. In particular embodiments, the basin 12may include an overflow orifice 17 that penetrates the basin 12 and isplaced in fluid communication with a drainage system. In an exemplaryembodiment, depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the overflow orifice 17penetrates the forward wall portion 16.

In various embodiments, an open cavity 36 is disposed behind therearward wall portion 18 of the basin 12 and extends between a topportion of the sink 10 and a drain trap 38. In the exemplary,non-limiting, embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A, the open cavity 36 isapproximately 5.5 inches deep, 9 inches tall, and 48 inches wide. It iscontemplated that some embodiments of the sink 10 may use a drain exitof various drain configurations that is associated with one or morefluid evacuation systems. For purposes of the present matter, however,such drain exits may be considered synonymous to the drain trap 38 forvarious functions of the sink 10. With reference to the exemplary,non-limiting embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3A-3D, the bottom portion 48of the open cavity 36 is trough-shaped, defined by a concave radius thatlimits turbulent flow of the fluid as it reaches the bottom of the opencavity 36. In particular embodiments, the bottom portion is sloped fromhorizontal, toward the drain trap 38 in order to improve fluid flowtoward the drain trap 38 and limit pooling of fluid on the bottomportion 48 when the flow of fluid into the open cavity 36 is stopped.With further reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B,a terminal, lower edge of the lower transition portion 34 of the lowerwall portion 16 may be positioned in a vertical, spaced-apartrelationship with the bottom portion 48, defining one end of an air gap50. In some embodiments, the air gap 50 is defined by a forward wallportion 52 of the bottom portion 48 that extends beneath a length of thelower transition portion 34 and ends at a free distal end. An airchannel 54 extends between the lower transition portion 34 and theforward wall portion 52 and fluidly couples the open cavity 36 and theenvironment in front of the sink 10.

In various embodiments, an exhaust port 40 is placed in fluidcommunication with the open cavity 36. In the exemplary embodiment,depicted in FIG. 1A, the exhaust port may be provided as a 3 inch or 4inch diameter line, disposed at a 45° angle, upward from horizontal. Inother embodiments, such as depicted in FIGS. 3A-3D, the exhaust portexits the sink 10, in a horizontal manner. The exhaust port 40 is alsoplaced in fluid communication with an exhaust system, such as a centralexhaust system or a dedicated exhaust system of various known designs(not depicted), that places a positive draft on the exhaust port 40 andthe open cavity 36 under a negative pressure. In this manner, theexhaust port 40 may be used to evacuate the gaseous headspace of theopen cavity 36 away from the sink 10. In various embodiments, a constantvolume or variable speed fan may be associated with the exhaust port 40.In some embodiments, the gaseous exhaust may be directed to a system fortreating one or more types of contaminated or volatile gases. Inparticular embodiments, a HEPA filter exhaust fan will be fluidlycoupled with the exhaust port 40 to exhaust the air from the sink 10,treat it, and allow it to be released back into the environment aroundthe sink 10. This allows for a less costly installation by not requiringa fully designed exhaust system that discharges to the exterior of thebuilding. In other embodiments, the exhaust system may simply be acentral exhaust system associated with a building in which the sink 10will be used. The rate of exhaust, in some embodiments, may be designedto minimize noise by keeping the level below a Noise Criteria (NC) levelof 40 that corresponds to the NC to decibel noise curves as recognizedby the heating/ventilation/air conditioning industry.

The open cavity 36 is, in certain embodiments, maintained at a negativepressure in relation to the area in which the sink 10 is located. Insome aspects of the technology, air surrounding the sink 10 is drawninto the basin 12, through the drain 24, and into the open cavity 36,thus, exhausting the air surrounding the sink 10 through the exhaustport 40. Where an air channel 54 is provided, such as depicted in FIG.3B, ambient air in front of the sink 10 will be drawn through the airchannel 54 and exhausted through the exhaust port 40. This will help toevacuate as many biological contaminants, bacteria, or viruses aspossible from the sink area that are aerosolized by: a) thesplatter/splashing of fluids that are drained into the sink 10; b) anindividual coughing, vomiting, or washing his or her hands; c) fluidsthat are not drained away from the sink; and/or d) the reverse flow offluid into the drain trap 38. In this manner, the open cavity 36 becomesa biological contaminant barrier between the room in which the sink 10is located and the drainage sewer system. When the open cavity 36 ismaintained at a negative pressure, the air is continuously pulledthrough the drain 24 such that, when water is discharged from the faucet30 or other fluids are poured into the basin 12, the air is pulledacross the top surface of the fluid, pulling aerosols that containbiological or other contaminants into the open cavity 36 and into theexhaust system where it can be treated and/or safely exhausted.

In some embodiments, the drain 24, open cavity 36, and exhaust port areshaped and oriented with respect to one another to allow an evendistribution of air to flow through the drain 24 at a velocity ofbetween 100 feet per minute (FPM) to 4000 FPM. Airflows are determinedto either obtain a capture velocity above 100 FPM at the from the drain24 into the open cavity 36 or 100 FPM at the top plane of the basin 12,depending on the use of the sink 10. In a particular embodiment, theairflow velocity is between 100 to 500 FPM from the drain 24 into theopen cavity 36 when the sink 10 is not being used for the input ordisposal of fluids. Testing has shown that airflow below 450 FPM willnot produce noise levels that tend to disturb individuals near the sink10. The testing has further shown that airflow volumes that create anair velocity of between 100 to 2500 FPM from the rain 24 into the opencavity 36 provides acceptable capture velocities for smells andundesirable particulate within the air. Furthermore, the testing hasalso shown that airflow volumes that create an air velocity of between100 to 2500 FPM from the drain 24 into the open cavity 36 providesacceptable capture velocities for gaseous or toxic fumes fromozone-water and sanitizing agents injected into the rearward cavity fromescaping into the basin 12 or the room in which the sink 10 is located.Velocity levels above 2000 FPM from the drain 24 into the open cavity 36produce capture velocities for heavier particulates that are entrainedwithin the air. Accordingly, particular embodiments of the presenttechnology use an airflow range of between 20 cubic feet per minute(CFM) to 50 (CFM) when the sink 10 is not in use and 50 to 500 CFM orgreater when the sink 10 is in use. In some embodiments, the exhaust mayoperate at a constant volume whether the sink 10 is in use or not. Thesink 10 may implement an airflow meter or other known device to monitorand measure the volume of the exhaust. In particular embodiments, theexhaust system may implement a fan or motorized damper to be fluidlycoupled to the exhaust port 40. One or more device controls may beprovided to vary the exhaust airflow from a lower volume rate when thesink is not in use and a higher volume rate when the sink is in use.

One or more aspects of the present technology treat the liquid andgaseous fluids as they pass through the drain 24 and the open cavity 36;reduce or eliminate the growth of biological infectious agentsdownstream from the drain 24; and reduce contamination levels ofsurfaces exterior to the sink 10. For example, various embodiments ofthe present technology use one or more of germicidal ultra-violetlights, ozone water, copper-silver ionization solution, and a sanitizingagent to kill bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, molds and otherbiological contaminants that may grow within or be introduced into theopen cavity 36.

In some embodiments, one or more germicidal ultra-violet lights 42 areassociated with the sink 10. The light of the germicidal ultra-violetlights 42 is typically classified into three ranges of wavelength asfollows: a) UV-A from 315 nanometers (nm) to 400 nm; b) UV-B from 280 nmto 315 nm; and c) UV-C from 100 nm to 280 nm. Embodiments of the sink 10include one or more germicidal ultra-violet lights 42 within the opencavity 36. The germicidal ultra-violet lights 42 may be associated with120 voltage power or low voltage power simply coupled with an adjacentpower source, such as an outlet. Particular embodiments, of the presenttechnology, use germicidal ultra-violet lights 42 in the 100 nm to 280nm range and, in specific embodiments, a wavelength of 254 nm. Testinghas indicated that, in an exemplary embodiment, a single, 17 inch long,¾ inch diameter germicidal ultra-violet light 42 in these wavelengthranges will be sufficient to reduce biological contaminants within theopen cavity 36. In the exemplary, non-limiting, embodiment depicted inFIG. 1A, the open cavity 36 is approximately 5.5 inches deep, 9 inchestall, and 18 inches wide. The germicidal ultra-violet lights 42 arepositioned such that any fluids passing through the open cavity 36 orsit within the drain trap 38 are exposed to the ultraviolet light. TheUV light exposure kills bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, molds andother biological contaminants that may be growing on the surfaces withinthe open cavity 36 and in the fluids within the drain trap 38. The UVlight exposure also kills the contaminants that may be entrained withinsewer and vent gases that occasionally travel back up through thedrainage system opposite of the direction of the waste water flow andback “up” through the drain trap 38. These gases have the potential tocarry with them bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, molds and otherbiological contaminants that often deposit themselves on adjacentsurfaces next to the plumbing fixture from which they are expelled suchas surfaces of sinks, faucets, floors, walls, towels, clothing, orplumbing fixtures, etc.

In particular embodiments, elongated germicidal ultra-violet lights 42are positioned within an upper area of the open cavity 36, adjacent atop portion of the sink 10, so that their lengths extend along a widthof the open cavity 36 between the opposite side portions 20 and 22. Inthis location, the germicidal ultra-violet lights 42 are able to directtheir light throughout the entire open cavity and into the drain trap 38while staying substantially out of contact with any liquid flowingthrough the open cavity 36. In various embodiments, an interior of theopen cavity 36, adjacent the drain 24, will be sloped concentrically oreccentrically to reduce fluid from splashing onto the germicidalultra-violet lights 42. It is contemplated, however, that embodiments ofthe sink 10 will use a UV light assembly capable of withstandingdamp/wet environments or being fully submerged in water. A fluidoverflow may be incorporated in the design of the basin 12 in lieu ofwater-proofing the UV light enclosure. In various embodiments, lampshields 46 are installed to separate the germicidal ultra-violet light42 from an exhaust air passage between the exhaust port 40 and the drain24 where liquids typically flow. The lamp shields 46 may also bedesigned to encompass the germicidal ultra-violet light 42. In someembodiments, the lamp shields 46 may be made from quartz or other typeof transparent material that will not reduce the effectiveness of thegermicidal ultra-violet lights 42. A high water sensor may also beincorporated in the design of the open cavity 36 in lieu ofwater-proofing the UV light enclosure. In embodiments, such as theexemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, the overflow orifice 17penetrates the forward wall portion 16 below a level of the germicidalultra-violet light 42 to prevent a clog or backflow from putting fluidin contact with the germicidal ultra-violet lights 42. In variousembodiments of the present technology, the germicidal ultra-violetlights 42 remain on in order to continuously treat the open cavity 36and a portion of the drain trap 38.

Embodiments of the present technology use one or more sanitizing agentinjectors 44 and/or spray bars 45 at various locations throughout theopen cavity 36 and/or into the exhaust port 40 to help clean thesurfaces of the open cavity 36 and the exhaust port 40. Exemplaryembodiments, depicted in FIGS. 1A-4, show a sanitizing agent injector 44associated with the exhaust port 40. However, other locations throughoutthe open cavity 36 may include one or more sanitizing agent injectors44. Similarly, with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, one or more spray bars 45can be positioned within the open cavity 36. As depicted, the spray bar45 may be generally horizontally disposed along a width or depth of theopen cavity 36. However, the spray bar 45 may also be verticallydisposed. It is contemplated that the spray bar may provide one or morespray outlets along a length of the spray bar 45. The one or moresanitizing agent injectors 44 and spray bars 45 may inject one or moreof: ozone water (or other ozone solution); copper-silver ionizationsolution (such as domestic cold water treated with a copper/silverionization generation unit); or a sanitizing agent. The sanitizing agentinjectors 44 and/or spray bars 45 are positioned throughout the opencavity 36 and exhaust port 40 in locations that will maximizedistribution of the ozone water, copper-silver ionization solution,and/or a sanitizing agent throughout the open cavity 36. Testing hasproven that the ozone water effectively reduces or eliminates thebiological contaminants within the open cavity 36. The ozone waterand/or sanitizing agent may be injected into the open cavity 36continuously or intermittently, whether the sink 10 is in use, or not,depending on desired protocols or detected contaminant levels. An ozonewater generator or ozone gas generator that creates higher or lowerconcentrations of ozone water solution may be associated with the sink10. In a particular embodiment, the ozone water generator producesozonized water with a concentration of 1.0-1.5 parts/million forinjection within the sink 10. Similarly, a copper/silver ionizationgenerator that creates different concentrations of copper/silver ions inwater may be associated with the sink 10.

In various embodiments of the present technology, control systemsprovide monitoring and control to ensure that the features of the sink10 are functioning according to their intended design. Such monitoringand control may prove beneficial in view of the fact that incorporatedfeatures, such as the exhaust port 40, germicidal ultra-violet lights42, sanitizing agent injectors 44, and spray bar 45 play individual and,at times, combined roles in protecting the sink 10 and creating acontamination barrier between the sink 10 and its operationalenvironment. In one aspect of the control systems, sensors arepositioned within the open cavity 36 and/or the exhaust port 40 thatmonitor pressure and/or airflow. In such embodiments, the control systemreceives and monitors data from the sensors. The control system may beassociated with the exhaust port 40 and its related systems to initiate,terminate, and vary the exhaust through the exhaust port 40 according toits comparison of the data received from the sensors with desiredoperational parameters. In another aspect of the control systems,sensors are positioned within the open cavity 36 and/or the drain trap38 that monitor UV light and/or an amount of ozone water (or other ozonesolution), copper-silver ionization solution, or similar sanitizingagent. In particular embodiments, the control systems will control theinjection of the ozone water (or other ozone solution), copper-silverionization solution, or similar sanitizing agent. This control systemmay direct the injection to occur on a timed interval, at any time thatthe faucet 30 is turned on or off, or according to data from the sensorsthat are not in line with desired or predetermined operationalparameters.

Monitoring of the system ensures that all system safety components areproperly functioning and will alert someone or something if service ormaintenance is needed. The data received from the sensors may berecorded by the control system and reported to a user in real-time orstored for delivery or retrieval at a later time. In some embodiments,the control system status will be relayed through visual and/or audibleindicators. Such indicators may be provided through a control paneland/or individual indicator lights or audible signals. On one example, avisual indicator may be provided by a green LED light visible whenapproaching the sink 10. Green, in this example, would mean the sink 10is operational; while a red LED light indication may be provided toindicate the sink 10 may not be functioning to design specification andneeds service or maintenance. Some embodiments of the control systemwill be placed in communication with a building automation system (BAS)or Internet of Things (IOT) cloud network for remote monitoring andcontrol. Accordingly, the control system may be configured to store dataand desired operational parameters and programs locally or remotely. Thecontrol system may be provided to receive remote or locally providedinputs from a user that initiates, terminates, and varies the operationof exhaust port 40, germicidal ultra-violet lights 42, sanitizing agentinjectors 44, and spray bar 45. The control system may also receiveremote or locally provided inputs from a user that varies theoperational parameters or programs of the systems associated with thesink 10. The control system may be provided to provide a notificationeither locally (audible or visual) or electronically via e-mail, phone,or text message to initiate service and notify individuals to not usethe sink 10 when the control system determines that any of the exhaustport 40, germicidal ultra-violet lights 42, sanitizing agent injectors44, and spray bar 45 are not functioning properly. The control systemmay also be provided to monitor when any of the germicidal ultra-violetlights 42 is burned out and send a notification to initiate service andnot use the sink 10. The control system can also be provided to monitorthe germicidal ultra-violet lights 42 for annual maintenance orreplacement.

With reference to FIG. 4, the present technology is easily applied tofloor drains of various configurations and uses. In the exemplary,non-limiting embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the floor drain 56 ispositioned within a floor surface 58. An open cavity 60 is in fluidcommunication with, and extends beneath, the floor drain 56. An exhaustport 62 is in fluid communication with the open cavity 60. The exhaustport 62 will operate similarly, and in similar parameters, to theexhaust port 40 described above. The exhaust port 62 is placed in fluidcommunication with a central exhaust system or a dedicated exhaustsystem of various known designs (not depicted) that place the opencavity 60 under a negative pressure to evacuate the gaseous headspace ofthe open cavity 60 away from the floor drain 56. In various embodiments,a constant volume or variable speed fan may be associated with theexhaust port 62. In some embodiments, the gaseous exhaust may bedirected to a system for treating one or more types of contaminated orvolatile gases. In various embodiments, a germicidal ultra-violet light42 is designed to be fuller submersible or installed in a waterprooffloor box 64 and will operate similarly, and in similar parameters, tothe germicidal ultra-violet light 42 described above. Embodiments of thefloor drain 56 may also use one or more sanitizing agent injectors 44and/or spray bars 45 (not depicted) at various locations throughout theopen cavity 60 and/or into the exhaust port 62 to help clean thesurfaces of the open cavity 60 and the exhaust port 62. The one or moresanitizing agent injectors 44 may inject one or more of: ozone water (orother ozone solution); copper-silver ionization solution (such asdomestic cold water treated with a copper/silver ionization generationunit); or similar sanitizing agent and will operate similarly, and insimilar parameters, to the sanitizing agent injectors 44 describedabove. It is further contemplated that one or more control systems, suchas those described above may be associated with the floor drain 56 toprovide monitoring and control functions.

Although the technology been described in language that is specific tocertain structures, materials, and methodological steps, it is to beunderstood that the invention defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific structures, materials, and/or stepsdescribed. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as formsof implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of theinvention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafterappended. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, suchas those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used inthe specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified inall instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not asan attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents tothe claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification orclaims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least beconstrued in light of the number of recited significant digits and byapplying ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosedherein are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claimsthat recite any and all subranges or any and all individual valuessubsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should beconsidered to include and provide support for claims that recite any andall subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive ofthe minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, allsubranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with amaximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and soforth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for treating and disposing of fluid, thesystem comprising: a basin defined by a bottom portion and at least onebasin sidewall that extends upwardly from the bottom portion; the basinincluding a basin drain, adjacent the bottom portion, through which afluid may exit the basin; an open cavity separated from the basin by theat least one basin sidewall; the open cavity being in open fluidcommunication with the basin drain; a drain trap positioned adjacent abottom portion of the open cavity and in open fluid communication withthe basin drain; an exhaust port in open fluid communication with theopen cavity, the basin drain, the drain trap, and an exhaust system thatselectively places a positive draft on the exhaust port and places theopen cavity under a negative pressure; and a germicidal ultra-violetlight disposed within the open cavity.
 2. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising: a faucet positioned adjacent the basin and having a faucetoutlet positioned above the basin; the faucet being in open fluidcommunication with a fluid source and adapted for the selective flow offluid from the fluid source and out the faucet outlet.
 3. The system ofclaim 2 wherein: a portion of the at least one sidewall in the basinincluding a lower transition portion having a concave radius positionedbeneath the faucet outlet so that fluid flow from the faucet is receivedby the radius.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein: the lower transitionportion includes a vertical portion that extends upwardly from theradius at a slight slope, toward a front portion of the sink
 10. 5. Thesystem of claim 4 wherein: the radius of the lower transition portiontransitions into a lower sloped portion that passes beneath the basindrain.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein: a free, terminal end of thelower sloped portion defines an air gap that is positioned above abottom portion of the open cavity.
 7. The system of claim 6 furthercomprising: an air channel extends between the lower transition portionand a forward wall portion of the bottom portion of the open cavity andfluidly couples the open cavity with an environment exterior to thebasin.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein: the basin drain penetrates aportion of the at least one basin sidewall above the bottom portionbasin.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein: the basin drain includes aplurality of vertically spaced-apart bar members that are shaped toreduce fluid turbulence by allowing an even distribution of fluid toflow through the basin drain.
 10. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising: a sanitizing agent injector, placed in open fluidcommunication with the open cavity.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein:the sanitizing agent injector is in fluid communication with a source ofat least one of: an ozone solution; or a copper-silver ionizationsolution.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein: the exhaust system createsan airflow range of between 20 cubic feet per minute and 50 cubic feetper minute when no liquids are being passed through the basin drain. 13.The system of claim 1 wherein: the exhaust system creates an airflowrange of between 50 cubic feet per minute and 500 cubic feet per minutewhen liquids are being passed through the basin drain.
 14. The system ofclaim 1 wherein: the germicidal ultra-violet light produces light in the100 nm to 280 nm range.
 15. The system of claim 1 further comprising: alamp shield positioned within the open cavity to separate the germicidalultra-violet light from an exhaust air passage between the exhaust portand the basin drain.
 16. A method of treating and disposing of fluid,the method comprising: disposing a liquid into a basin, defined by abottom portion and at least one basin sidewall that extends upwardlyfrom the bottom portion, so that the liquid passes through a basindrain, into an open cavity separated from the basin by the at least onebasin sidewall, and into a drain trap positioned adjacent a bottomportion of the open cavity; placing a positive draft on an exhaust portwith an exhaust system such that the open cavity is placed undernegative pressure and a headspace of the open cavity is drawn throughthe exhaust port; and emitting UV light within the open cavity and atleast a portion of the drain trap from a germicidal ultra-violet lightdisposed within the open cavity.
 17. The method of claim 16 furthercomprising: injecting at least one of an ozone solution or acopper-silver ionization solution from a sanitizing agent injectorwithin the open cavity.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising:ceasing the of disposing liquid into the basin; reducing the positivedraft on the exhaust port so that the exhaust system creates an airflowrange of between 20 cubic feet per minute and 50 cubic feet per minutethrough the exhaust port and the open cavity.
 19. The method of claim 16further comprising: increasing the positive draft on the exhaust port sothat the exhaust system creates an airflow range of between 50 cubicfeet per minute and 500 cubic feet per minute through the exhaust portand the open cavity when liquids are being passed through the basindrain.
 20. A system for treating and disposing of fluid, the systemcomprising: a drain through which a fluid may pass; an open cavity inopen fluid communication with the basin drain such that fluids mayfreely pass from the drain into the open cavity; a drain trap positionedadjacent a bottom portion of the open cavity and in open fluidcommunication with the drain; an exhaust port in open fluidcommunication with the open cavity, the drain, the drain trap, and anexhaust system that selectively places a positive draft on the exhaustport and places the open cavity under a negative pressure; and agermicidal ultra-violet light disposed within the open cavity.